Surrounded by woods and mountains, Nara was Japan's first capital and has been referred to as the cradle of Japanese culture. In modern Japan it provides a peaceful escape from the bustling frenetic pace of city life. The temples and sights that we will visit are all within the park that surrounds the city. The park is full of deer that roam around and 'senbei' (rice crackers) are available to buy and feed to the deer.
Todaiji is one of the "Seven great temples of Nara". It is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. Within the temple is the 53 foot high statue of Buddha - daibutsu. Behind it are the statues of two celestial guards. In front of one is a huge wooden pole containing a hole near the ground. It is believed that if a person can crawl through the hole, he or she will have good luck.
Nara
Surrounded by woods and mountains, Nara was Japan's first capital and has been referred to as the cradle of Japanese culture. In modern Japan it provides a peaceful escape from the bustling frenetic pace of city life. The temples and sights that we will visit are all within the park that surrounds the city. The park is full of deer that roam around and 'senbei' (rice crackers) are available to buy and feed to the deer.Todaiji is one of the "Seven great temples of Nara". It is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. Within the temple is the 53 foot high statue of Buddha - daibutsu. Behind it are the statues of two celestial guards. In front of one is a huge wooden pole containing a hole near the ground. It is believed that if a person can crawl through the hole, he or she will have good luck.
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